Modal Verbs and Possibility
Understand and use modal verbs (can, may, must, might, shall, will, could, should, would) and modal adverbs (perhaps, surely, certainly) to indicate degrees of possibility, necessity, and permission
What a learner can do afterwards
- Select a modal verb to express certainty, probability, or possibility in a sentence, e.g. 'It will rain' vs 'It might rain' vs 'It could rain'
- Replace a modal verb with a modal adverb to achieve a similar effect, e.g. 'He might come' → 'Perhaps he will come'
- Distinguish between modals expressing permission (may, can), obligation (must, should), and possibility (might, could) in context
The lesson
Modal verbs are small helper words like can, may, must, might, could, should, would, shall, and will. They sit before another verb and change how sure, allowed, or needed something is.
Zara checks the sky and says three things. "It will rain" means she is sure. "It might rain" means she thinks it is possible. "It could rain" also means possible, but she still is not certain either way.
A school sign says, "Students may leave early on Fridays." That means students are allowed to leave, but do not have to. Another sign says, "Students must wear a badge." That means wearing a badge is required.
You can often swap a modal verb for a modal adverb and keep the same meaning. "He might come" becomes "Perhaps he will come."
Modal verbs and modal adverbs both show how sure, allowed, or required something is, so choose the one that matches what you mean.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
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Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.